Former Seaside mayor passes away after battling cancer

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION) Former Seaside Mayor Ralph Rubio has died after battling liver cancer for the past six years.

Rubio was the longest serving elected official in the history of the city. He was first elected to the Seaside City Council as a councilman, and later as mayor, serving a total of 16 years.

Mayor Rubio was an advocate of economic revitalization and preservation of land control.

Flags will fly at half-mast for 12 days, one day for each year served as mayor.

In a press release, Seaside officials said they are saddened by the news of his passing and say they will remember him as "The Warrior" after seeing his determination to beat the cancer.

Seaside officials stated Rubio exceeded doctor's expectations by more than 5 years thanks to his wife, Gracie.